Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Fifty competitors demonstrated their techniques in CNC milling at a plant of Zhuhai Gree Intelligent Equipment on July 4. The event kicked off the 2018 Zhuhai Vocational Skills Competition.

Focusing on the city's major and emerging industries, the contest attracted participants in 14 skills in three categories, including automobile technology, carpentry, mechatronics, graphic design techniques, e-commerce, and babysitting.

The launch ceremony of the 2018 Zhuhai Vocational Skills Competition is held in Zhuhai Gree Intelligent Equipment on July 4. [Photo courtesy n21.cc]

Jointly sponsored by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and Federation of Trade Unions of Zhuhai, this year's competition made some changes in competing items and technical standards with reference to the 45th World Skills Competition — the Olympic Games of skills.

Although intelligent machine tools are used in the competition of CNC milling, those contestants are required to program in the limited time available and sort the procedures quickly according to the design drawing.

"The winner should complete processing components in a fast and excellent manner, allowing the least margin of error in precision," said Shen Xiandong, general manager of Gree Intelligent Equipment Co.

Competitors demonstrate their skillful techniques in CNC milling at a plant of Zhuhai Gree Intelligent Equipment on July 4. [Photo by Wu Changfu courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The skills contest will last to late October, and winners in each item will receive a cash prize of up to 6,000 yuan ($904) and the honorary title of "Craftsman of Zhuhai". Top winners are also eligible to take home prizes with national certificates of occupational qualifications.

In recent years, the southern Chinese city has carried out various activities and competitions to promote craftsmanship, attract talented individuals and develop high-skilled personnel, said the organizer.

Participants dressed in different colored shirts compete in 14 skills in three categories during the 2018 Zhuhai Vocational Skills Competition. [Photo courtesy n21.cc]